Racing sucking all the fun out of riding?

Bicyclist · Jun 18, 2006

I kinda understand, but if you give yourself enough time to chill (i.e. take enough time off to relax there and get settled) then it's a total blast. Also, if you don't worry about it it'll be more fun.

BC VAN · Jun 18, 2006

h22ekhatch said:
This might be a weird question, but has anyone who has tried racing felt like it kind of ruined the fun of riding? I have just started trying to hit some races and it seems like my enthusiasm for riding the bike is at an all time low.

Get up early...get to the mountain by XX time, practice for XX minutes, but don't go over your allotted practice time or you will be DQ'd. Sit around waiting for each class to start only to begin your run 2 hours later (when you are dead cold and not even in a 'ready to go' state of mind anymore) then sit around a couple more hours waiting for your second run.

I don't know, it just seems like a lot of time/money for not much riding...and a lot of stress overall. I kind of feel like riding my bike is a way to get away from my structured 8-5 life, but the whole racing thing feels like a second job.

Let me add that I have had some weird medical stuff going on lately, so my energy levels have been completely shot (which may explain my poor mental state...) but I was just curious if anyone else ever felt this way?

For the record I am talking sport level local stuff, not pro travel the country things

do you go to the races by your self or do you have a group of friends that you go with....it can make all the difference in the world. a fun group can make down time go by quick... you do bring up some good points though, i like the format of us open or crankworx..there is always something to ride while your waiting for you race run.

jet · Jun 18, 2006

I haven't raced in two years and still train like I have a race this weekend. I just keep trying to learn new stuff and try new lines. I've been working on cornering for like three years. Just now really getting it down.
But yeah, racing does kind of take the fun out of riding. only because it makes you ride diferently. But you are still riding...
I haven't been to a nat'l like that though. I can kind of understand the problem. hurry up and wait really sucks.
It's kind of like going to the race and not geting a practice run, so you have to throw away the first run. If that makes any sense.

frznnomad · Jun 18, 2006

i dont know about you guys but to me racing adds to the fun of ridding. it gives me something to strive for on everyone of my rides. it keeps me motivated and well keeps my mind on the bigger prize, and then we just started a grassroots team so you have the commrodary of your teammates and the excitment watching them and you kick everyones ass down the mountain. to me its one of the best rush's and you can expect to see me at every race i can get my poor ass too this year. ohh and it does help to go with a group of very energetic guys that are there for nothing but fun and ridding. i had a blast at the sugar natl. and will fight someone to the grave over that. to me you cant beat the commrodery at the races, but i do have to say most of the time the people running the races just dont understand and can really make the race kinda suck but all in all go out to have fun and keep a possitive mind and you are there man. once you start putting good times on the board its all good.

Kevin · Jun 18, 2006

I think its different for everyone.
I can relate to some of the stuff your saying but to me the rush of slamming down a racerun riding at 200% is totally worth it.
No way Im pushing myself as hard during a normal ride as I do at a race and I think that really improves your skills.
I guess its a bit like drinking coffee.
You have to learn to enjoy it at first but once you get the taste of it you cant live without it.

mtnbiker66 · Jun 18, 2006

frznnomad said:
i dont know about you guys but to me racing adds to the fun of ridding. it gives me something to strive for on everyone of my rides. it keeps me motivated and well keeps my mind on the bigger prize, and then we just started a grassroots team so you have the commrodary of your teammates and the excitment watching them and you kick everyones ass down the mountain. to me its one of the best rush's and you can expect to see me at every race i can get my poor ass too this year. ohh and it does help to go with a group of very energetic guys that are there for nothing but fun and ridding. i had a blast at the sugar natl. and will fight someone to the grave over that. to me you cant beat the commrodery at the races, but i do have to say most of the time the people running the races just dont understand and can really make the race kinda suck but all in all go out to have fun and keep a possitive mind and you are there man. once you start putting good times on the board its all good.

Your right on it there. Relax and make it fun.

thaflyinfatman · Jun 18, 2006

If you don't enjoy racing, then just don't do it. It's that simple. I love it, but it's not for everyone, and if you aren't having a good time then just go ride with your mates or whatever - there's no point in doing something like this if it feels like a chore.

EuroNewbie · Jun 18, 2006

I have just started racing this year, and if anything it has made me love riding even more. Now all I can think about is riding, and training. So far I have gone to every race by myself, but have met so many new people out there that the whole weekend is fun. To me it is a great stress relief after a hard week at work, to go out and push both yourself and the bike to the limit. If it is taking the fun out of riding then stop doing it, riding should always be fun.

ÃX · Jun 18, 2006

walking the track during pro training is fun and you can learn alot.
then after training is over walk it again. then apply what you found out.

that is what makes it fun for me.

bizutch · Jun 18, 2006

I just love that feeling of ballzout for 3-4 minutes of pure insanity that I just can't imitate in my practice/play runs.

And BC VAN is right...racing alone is a will crusher. Having buddies come with you, even if none of you are even serious about the race, is the best!!!

SuspectDevice · Jun 18, 2006

I pretty much have a chemical dependence on bike racing.

Right now I'm not having much fun DH racing, as I've been blowing my bike and body up left and right out on the mtn. I'm taking a month or two off now from racing DH to race XC, and just go ride the DH bike at my local hill.
The latest bout of DH racing started after I got burnt out on road racing, and the road racing started when I got burnt out with XC. For some people bike racing is a mobius band of different events that all are meshed together.

Races like the US open (or Plattekill here in the Northeast) that are at venues that have other trails open to ride when you can't practice are by far the best kind of DH races to attend. Some DH venues (all the NMBS venues for instance), are almost as bad as BMX races where you sit around almost all day except for the hour or two you get to ride.

jasonw111 · Jun 18, 2006

yeah, racings lame

E.C. · Jun 18, 2006

I absolutly love racing ,whowever I do go through periods of time where it seems to be a little to much hassle and I rather just trail ride. for instance the race at Sugar last weekend was way overpriced combined with the price of gas to get there and the fact that I had brought some of my own stress along with me( big no no).plus I had mechanicals , somehow I still managed to have fun though,undoubtedly due to the group of freinds that were with me.that beeing said My advise would be ,don't give it up yet the fun will come back around and if you can manage to win ,well hell then it's just awesome.

manwithgun · Jun 18, 2006

h22ekhatch said:
This might be a weird question, but has anyone who has tried racing felt like it kind of ruined the fun of riding? I have just started trying to hit some races and it seems like my enthusiasm for riding the bike is at an all time low.

load up your car immediately and drive north until you get to that mound of dirt and rock where everybody with a bike is smiling, Whistler. Seriously, that place is manditory for decompression therapy. For a 32 year old that has felt some of the bumps that life can dish out, that place has never failled to make me feel like a kid again and remind me of why we all do what we do. Then go home and be angry at your parents for not being Canadian.

Red Bull · Jun 18, 2006

noooooope. not me, i love the atmosphere and everyone i see while im there

manwithgun · Jun 18, 2006

h22ekhatch said:
Wow check out my post above. Looks like we were both typing at the same time.

Amazing

My racer-jonny attitude sees that I beat you by two whole minutes. :blah:

S.K.C. · Jun 18, 2006

Just have fun with it... or else why do it? Going out to just ride for fun might be a good thing - kind of a nice way to "cleanse the palette" so to speak.

For me though, it's more of a "sucking takes all the fun out of racing" kind of thing.

sanjuro · Jun 18, 2006

h22ekhatch said:
This might be a weird question, but has anyone who has tried racing felt like it kind of ruined the fun of riding? I have just started trying to hit some races and it seems like my enthusiasm for riding the bike is at an all time low.

Get up early...get to the mountain by XX time, practice for XX minutes, but don't go over your allotted practice time or you will be DQ'd. Sit around waiting for each class to start only to begin your run 2 hours later (when you are dead cold and not even in a 'ready to go' state of mind anymore) then sit around a couple more hours waiting for your second run.

I don't know, it just seems like a lot of time/money for not much riding...and a lot of stress overall. I kind of feel like riding my bike is a way to get away from my structured 8-5 life, but the whole racing thing feels like a second job.

Let me add that I have had some weird medical stuff going on lately, so my energy levels have been completely shot (which may explain my poor mental state...) but I was just curious if anyone else ever felt this way?

For the record I am talking sport level local stuff, not pro travel the country things

I should point out if you raced road, you would be training 7 days a week, 2 races a weekend, 3 weekends a month.

The big advantage to road races is that they are rather easy timewise. Show up an hour before your scheduled race time, sign in, warm up for 20 minutes, and be at the start line 5 minutes before. One time I got lost heading to a race, and I showed up 10 minutes before start and I still was able to compete.

I have not raced downhill, but I have seen enough to know that it is a pain in the a**: lousy courses, incompetent marshals/timekeepers, no respect from norba, and a huge risk for a short payoff.

But one thing is you might be overtraining. Medical problems are the first sign...

MikeD · Jun 18, 2006

I have more fun just riding, myself. Racing takes all the things I'm trying to avoid from work and lays them on me while I'm just trying to chill out and enjoy riding and being away from it all with some friends. My job is also pretty type-A, stressful, competitive, and unpredictable, so it fills those needs for me pretty well on its own.

I know why some people race; just doesn't work for me, nor do I have the time to train enough to make it worthwhile.

A.P · Jun 18, 2006

I can definatley see your point. At the open, I had a absolute blast, but I think the most fun I had all weekend was sunday after I missed qualifying on saturday. There was no stress for the next day, got drunk, slept in a bit and then rode ALL day with a few friends. We must have gotten 30 runs in and got to explore fun trails all around the mountain. Other then having to buy a lift ticket, I dont regret it one bit.

Races like nationals last weekend kind of bummed me out, because I only got to get 3-4 runs in, including my race run. To me, riding is riding..I dont care if its in a race or if its for fun. I just want to do it!

bikenweed · Jun 18, 2006

Racing and riding have very nothing in common besides the bikes, and many times they are exclusive.

I know plenty of kids who love to race and never bother to ride, and plenty of kids who ride and hate racing.

bizutch · Jun 19, 2006

A.P said:
..

Races like nationals last weekend kind of bummed me out, because I only got to get 3-4 runs in, including my race run. To me, riding is riding..I dont care if its in a race or if its for fun. I just want to do it!

you must be the only one who didn't have fun. Every single person I ran into had the biggest grin on their faces b/c it was a really fun time. Maybe you need to take a dose of Windrock to start feeling better!

altagirl · Jun 19, 2006

While I like the actual practicing, and racing - I get frustrated with all the sitting around too. I want to RIDE, not drive out of state so I can do 2 runs that were interrupted by massive crowds at every technical spot, and then a practice run and a race run the next day.

And while some venues do have other riding available that makes things more fun, I find myself worrying about damaging my bike or hurting myself before the race, which is stupid. That's my own fault.

It does help to have good friends to hang around with, but I don't want to sit around talking all day long, I want to ride. We can talk on the lift, and once the lifts are closed for the night.

dhbuilder · Jun 19, 2006

h22ekhatch said:
This might be a weird question, but has anyone who has tried racing felt like it kind of ruined the fun of riding? I have just started trying to hit some races and it seems like my enthusiasm for riding the bike is at an all time low.

Get up early...get to the mountain by XX time, practice for XX minutes, but don't go over your allotted practice time or you will be DQ'd. Sit around waiting for each class to start only to begin your run 2 hours later (when you are dead cold and not even in a 'ready to go' state of mind anymore) then sit around a couple more hours waiting for your second run.

I don't know, it just seems like a lot of time/money for not much riding...and a lot of stress overall. I kind of feel like riding my bike is a way to get away from my structured 8-5 life, but the whole racing thing feels like a second job.

Let me add that I have had some weird medical stuff going on lately, so my energy levels have been completely shot (which may explain my poor mental state...) but I was just curious if anyone else ever felt this way?

For the record I am talking sport level local stuff, not pro travel the country things

i think you and i are twins, who were separated at birth.
very well put.

ViciousDHer · Jun 19, 2006

I got 15 runs on the pro/ex course at Mt. Snow this past weekend !! Wahoooo

frznnomad · Jun 19, 2006

a.p i am in the same boat that you were at the sugar national i only got three runs in the whole weekend for the race but that is purley my fault and the circumstances i had to deal with. i totally missed my practice on friday and had to settle for two runs and a race run on saturday, but i still had the best damn time of my life. i got a few potched runs down the mountain that day and had an awsome time with those boys from sc. then me, ben, tp, and curious captain got to shred a local trail there. so i say that you can always make the best out of things if you are just willing to try and well we were willing to try and we had a blast on and off the course.

Ian F · Jun 19, 2006

BC VAN said:
do you go to the races by your self or do you have a group of friends that you go with....it can make all the difference in the world. a fun group can make down time go by quick...

I would agree with that up to a point. I associate some of my best races with the great times I had off the bike during the w/e. But that said, I also had some great w/e's with crappy races...

But, for the most part, your comments are why I haven't raced since 2002. It simply stopped being fun for me. I've attended the past 2 US Opens as a spectator, but the fire to race DH has still not returned. This was further reinforced as I would get of the lift to see dozens of racers standing around waiting for the their start time.

I will say that a few embers of the XC racing fire are starting to glow again...

bizutch · Jun 19, 2006

Ian F said:
I would agree with that up to a point. I associate some of my best races with the great times I had off the bike during the w/e. But that said, I also had some great w/e's with crappy races...

But, for the most part, your comments are why I haven't raced since 2002. It simply stopped being fun for me. I've attended the past 2 US Opens as a spectator, but the fire to race DH has still not returned. This was further reinforced as I would get of the lift to see dozens of racers standing around waiting for the their start time.

I will say that a few embers of the XC racing fire are starting to glow again...

maybe it's those XTR cranks you bought off of me. After Herndon sold them to me, he got his drive back...??? :clue:

Lady Litton · Jun 19, 2006

I prefer more grassroots racing. Southridge in SoCal or Willamette Pass in Oregon are really fun because the course is open all day. Practice and hang with your friends on Sat., race on Sunday. You can ride check out lines and push back up if you want to. A race like Sea Otter feels like boot camp. You are only allowed to practice for a few hours - race run - the end. But, we all go to Sea Otter for the atmosphere, going out at night with friends, and watching world class racers compete. Maybe choose just the fun races.

The whole mental thing will always be there in racing, so if you're not feeling the love, just go have fun with your friends and save your $40-$50.

Ian F · Jun 19, 2006

bizutch said:
maybe it's those XTR cranks you bought off of me. After Herndon sold them to me, he got his drive back...???

LOL. Does it still count if they haven't been used since I sold the M-1 2 years ago? I'm hesitant to sell them as 165mm XTR's are kinda hard to come by and I still have a desire to build up another DH bike if the right deal comes along.

bizutch · Jun 19, 2006

Ian F said:
LOL. Does it still count if they haven't been used since I sold the M-1 2 years ago? I'm hesitant to sell them as 165mm XTR's are kinda hard to come by and I still have a desire to build up another DH bike if the right deal comes along.

I'm thinking maybe they're cursed. I wasn't exactly DH motivated when I sold them to you.
Try getting rid of them and maybe the voodoo will go away... :dead:

Ian F · Jun 19, 2006

bizutch said:
I'm thinking maybe they're cursed. I wasn't exactly DH motivated when I sold them to you.
Try getting rid of them and maybe the voodoo will go away...

Hmm...

"FOR SALE: One set of cursed 165mm M952 XTR cranks. Guaranteed to suck out your desire to race DH. Buy these cranks and give your body time to heal from those nagging injuries." :help:

But truth be told, it's the memories of the nagging injuries that will probably keep me from ever seriously racing DH again. :rolleyes:

bullitrider86 · Jun 19, 2006

Like I have always said, if youre looking for a good way to ruin a great weekend of riding throw in a race.
I say that now but then Ill be the first person signing up for the next race. Because DH racing is a great way to meet new and interesting people and ride some of the best venues in the country that you normally wouldnt venture too. So, we will see you at the next race. Ill be the guy you grumbling about not getting to ride enough and having to pay too much.

Todd

frznnomad · Jun 19, 2006

lol okay well you have fun with that race weekend then bullit rider. since you will be whinning about it the whole time and not enjoying even a little bit of it. :rolleyes:

Racing sucking all the fun out of riding?

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